11 September 2008

Sky Watch Friday - The Donkin

The lighthouse and pyramid viewed from the bottom end of the Donkin Reserve are iconic symbols of Port Elizabeth.


The pyramid was erected by Sir Rufane Donkin in memory of his young wife who died in India shortly before he came to the fledgling city. He administered the Cape colony from 1820 to 1821 and named the rising seaport of Algoa Bay, Port Elizabeth in memory of his wife.




The plaque on the pyramid reads, "To the memory of one of the most perfect human beings who has given her name to the Town below."


The lighthouse is no longer in use as it lost its effectiveness as the city grew up around it and was replaced with a new metal structure on the coast.

22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very interesting structures and a very unique Skywatch Post!
Cheers, Klaus

EG CameraGirl said...

It's a beautiful structure and very smart of the city to keep it in good shape. I'm sure it attracts many tourists. Hey! I'd want to see it if I were in Port Elizabeth, ;-)
Happy Sky Watch!

Anonymous said...

This is a really nice photo for sky watch.

My Sky Watch Friday blog is at my Canon Pixels blog. If you have time I would appreciate your having a look at the sky peeking through the oak tree leaves.

Jane Hards Photography said...

I have had a drink tonight so I thought I was seeing things. A most unique skywatch

Louise said...

Fabulous sky. Beautiful and interesting structs. Excellent capture for SWF.

Michele said...

Quite the unique building... glad it was not torn down regardless of it not being used anymore... it's very nice... great post.
Mountain Retreat

dot said...

Amazing things to see in your pretty blue sky! I like what is written on the plaque. She must have really been special.

Anonymous said...

nice photo of a place I have never been. Thanks for sharing

Woody said...

That's a cool shot..Thanks for sharing..

Happy SWF

Julie said...

I suspect that one of the structures in this image is bordering on phallic! Having said that, it is a most satisfying composition.

Kerri Farley said...

This is so beautiful! I LOVE lighthouses!

Mary said...

Very nice photo!!

chrome3d said...

That is an unusual lighthouse structure. I´ve never seen both of these forms together. Thanks for your lovely story.

Anonymous said...

Interesting to see the pyramid next to the light house.

Paz

Mary said...

what a fun set of buildings, and a great skywatch photo!

Arija said...

Lovely photograph, I particularly appreciate the historical comment.

Bob Johnson said...

Cool, a lighthouse and a pyramid in the same pic.

Neva said...

What a nice photo....the lighthouse and the unusual pyramid....amazing.

Firefly the Travel Guy said...

Classical Donkin photo. Nicely done.

myonlyphoto said...

Excellent composition, the sky is so clear and makes the architecture so unique and sharp. Anna :)

2sweetnsaxy said...

Great picture and thanks for that little bit of info on it.

Jeanne said...

I've always thought that this was one of the most romantic stories I'd ever heard - the heartbroken Sir Rufane Donkin naming the city after his late wife who never laid eyes on the place. We don't make a big enough fuss about it, or the pyramid with its lovely inscription. When there is talk abtou changing the city's name it makes my blodd boil - who wouldn't want a city named for a great love, rather than someone aloigned with a particular political party?!